GIANT Awards and Banquet

Cle Jackson – GIANT Among Giants Award

A native of Grand Rapids, MI, Jackson has dedicated his life to advocating for social justice, civil rights and community development. As the current president of the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP, Jackson has led transformative initiatives aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of African Americans in the region.

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Enid Gaddis – W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award

A tireless advocate for equity and inclusion, Enid Gaddis has brought transformative leadership to Arbor Circle and is dedicated to creating opportunities for others.

Doyle Hayes – William Glenn Trailblazer Award

Doyle Hayes has spent over 20 years shaping the future of students, especially young professionals of color, guiding them to executive leadership roles.

Jessica Ann Tyson & Monica Sparks – Milo M. Brown Business Award

Sisters Jessica and Monica have dedicated their careers to empowering marginalized voices, serving as champions for community development and economic opportunity.

Katrina Springer-Terry – Martha Reynolds Labor Award

Katrina Springer-Terry has spent over 30 years working in union leadership, advocating for inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Chester Huff – Hattie Beverly Education Award 

Chester Huff’s decades-long dedication to education and his mentorship have had a lasting impact on generations of students in Grand Rapids.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Smith – H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award 

Pastor Daniel Smith has led Messiah Baptist Church with compassion, vision, and advocacy, driving change within the community for social justice and equality.

Leslie King – Floyd Skinner Justice Award

Leslie King has worked tirelessly to combat sex trafficking, advocating for survivors and providing essential resources for their healing.

Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) – Eugene Browning Medical Service Award

GRAAHI has led efforts to address health disparities, providing essential health services and resources to underserved communities in West Michigan.

Tyreece Guyton – Ethel Coe Humanities Award

Tyreece Guyton has dedicated his life to using music and the arts to unite communities, fostering cultural appreciation and youth mentorship.

Marian Barrera-Young – Walter Coe Public Service Award

Marian Barrera-Young has spent nearly 40 years fostering relationships between law enforcement and the community, driving positive change through collaboration and trust.

Jamon Alexander – Raymond Tardy Community Service Award 

Jamon Alexander, President and CEO of WMCAT, has dedicated nearly 20 years to creating equitable access to opportunity through adult workforce development, arts education, health and well-being and building social capital for change in West Michigan.

Denise Evans – Phyllis Scott Activist Award

Denise Evans has led numerous initiatives to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Grand Rapids, becoming a champion for social equity.

Elzadie Ladomato-Fisher – Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship

Top 1% at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, student athlete and leader.

Kamora Price – Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship

Co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, National Honor Society officer, and representative on the Superintendent Council.

Aaron Gholston – Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship

Multi-sport athlete, community volunteer, and entrepreneur.

Floyd Tucker III – Dr. Patricia Pulliam Leadership Scholarship

Junior at Hampton University, Division 1 Track and Field athlete, and volunteer for Kids Food Basket.

Morgan Robertson – Dr. Patricia Pulliam Leadership Scholarship

Senior at Western Michigan University, sports management major, and student ambassador.